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The perfect soundtrack to a lazy day.

My dad bought a new car recently and when he got it home we sorted through the interior and inside we found what appeared to be the remnants of a European road trip. Aside from abandoned hiking clothes, a compass, secret stashes of pound coins and lots of change in Euros in coat pockets and hidden in various compartments we found a few CDs and this Norah Jones album 'Come Away With Me' still playing when we turned the music system on. Jones released the album in 2002 and at the time I recall it being played all over the place. However, I was younger then and wasn't really feeling it. However, after finding all of this stuff in my father's car and hearing Norah's voice pipe up as we started the engine up the music really got to me. I've been listening to the album ever since and dreaming of taking my own much dreamed of road trip.

The album comprises of fourteen tracks. I already knew three of them: her two hugely successful tracks 'Come Away With Me' and 'Don't Know Why'. Jones also sings a cover version of the old classic 'The Nearness of You' which I was familiar with prior to hearing this cover. All of the tracks have the same kind of style and tone and sometimes it feels like the whole album is one long track with just a few variations of mood and rhythm. I would describe the style as being a blend of soft jazz and blues with touches of folk and pop. It's a very relaxing mix that makes you feel like you have been spellbound or that you are falling into a dream. The music has a bare bones style which allows Jones' voice to dominate and seduce. Her voice is like black-coffee and cream - it is soft but strong and it is terribly beautiful and touching and a voice you can identify with. She sings best when the songs are mellow and ambling. Her attempt to be snappy and snazzy on the jazzier numbers comes across as being slightly staged although she still sings as though she enjoys the performance.

Many of the songs feature lyrics which are contemplative or which have a vague dreaminess about them which embodies the sense of an endless, lazy summer day. The writing has a intelligent, poetic style and the observations she makes have a maturity to them. Every single track on the album contains a message that is capable of drawing a listener in and really engaging them.

I think the best tracks on the album are her most well known tracks 'Don't Know Why' and 'Come Away With Me'. The first of these tracks opens the album is upbeat in mood with a sleepy, lilting style that makes me feel warm and cheerful. The latter track is more atmospheric, darkly intense and romantic.

There are some unusual and notable touches to the album. 'Lonestar', for instance, is a track that mimics old-school American country and Western music yet it does so in a very subtle way whilst still retaining the essence of Norah Jones and her contemporary blues/jazz album. It's a very clever arrangement. 'Feelin The Same Way' is a faster paced track which sounds like a pop song that has been stripped down to a cleaner acoustic sound. 'Painter Song' has a curious European busker edge to it which is pretty and unusual. 'Cold Cold Heart' is bouncy and sultry with a classic jazz formation.

I have artists in my music collection who are very similar to Norah Jones. Bic Runga, for example, is an artist I would highly recommend should you like this particular album. My own feelings about my original reception of Norah Jones and this album is that I perhaps was a bit put off because the album was so commercially successful and possibly a bit overplayed at the time. I also doubted Norah's talent because I assumed her presence on the music scene was due only to her association with Ravi Shankar (her father). I am glad I have found this album now though, or rather that this album found me! I've been playing it again and again and it instantly takes me to a place where I'm serene and positive and dreaming about the day when I can take my own road trip - I've always wanted to meander my way around France - and if or when I ever pack up and go I'm taking this album with me to play on the road!

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Debut album from Norah Jones

Norah Jones' debut album Come Away With Me was released in 2002 (10 years ago, wow!). I bought it a few years later when it was on special offer. It is currently available for just under £5 on Amazon.

The music here is country-blues with jazz influences, atmospheric and soulful. This is an album for those days when you want to be quiet and reflective. It's gentle and what I would describe as 'easy listening' (I don't know if this music would officially fall into this category, but that's how I see it!). Norah has a lovely, rich, expressive voice, which is unique and instantly recognisable, and which should rightly belong to someone twice her age. The songs are laden with hypnotic piano melodies and gentle guitars, largely stripped down and powerful in their simplicity.

The album flows together well and on a first listen it's hard to pick out individual tracks. After several listens a few do begin to stand out: the singles Don't Know Why and Come Away With Me, as well as Feelin' the Same Way which has a slightly more uptempo vibe, and I've Got to See You Again which has a darker edge. Other standouts include Cold Cold Heart and The Nearness of You, covers of songs by Hank Williams and Hoagy Carmichael respectively.

Track Listing1. Don't Know Why2. Seven Years3. Cold, Cold Heart4. Feelin' The Same Way5. Come Away With Me6. Shoot the Moon7. Turn Me On8. Lonestar9. I've Got to See You Again10. Painter Song11. One Flight Down12. Nightingale13. The Long Day is Over14. The Nearness Of You

Overall, this is a decent album that's perfect to listen to on rainy autumnal days or lazy Sunday mornings. It's hardly my favourite album and it can be slightly dull and sleepy at times. However, it's a well-crafted and beautifully sung album and I do like it.

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A beautifully breezy album

This is the debut album from America singer/songwriter, Norah Jones, the daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar.

This easy listening album sold 10 million copies and was part of a wave of easy listening music including Katie Melua and Michael Buble.

This is a wonderfully relaxed album, encapsulated by the awesome 'Come away with me', this is such a chilled out song, it is perfectly set in tone and texture, Norah Jones voice mixes folk, jazz and country and her lyrics recall lazy days by the beach.

Don't know why, is another beautiful song which was the first real breakthrough for Jones on this multiple Grammy award winning album, Cold, Cold Heart is a wonderful reworking of a classic country and western song and 'The Nearness of You' is a really thoughtful love song, reworked from an old Dinah Washington standard.

This album is bright and breezy and really cheers me up and relaxes me, Jones has a velvety voice full of soul and heart and her songs match the voice perfectly, providing a soft, relaxed album which is enjoyed by millions in the UK and around the world.

Jones has had a few years out of the limelight and made films and even cameo'd on a Foo Fighters track, but she is back with an awesome new album and has retained her beautiful voice and outlook, she wrote a number of songs on this album and plays many of the instruments too which is impressive.

The album is available on Amazon for £1.02 and i'd recommend it to anyone who likes to relax and smile while listening to music.

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Come Away With Me - Norah Jones

"Bluring the boundaries between jazz, country and pop, it has the potential to be one of the coolest downbeat albums of the year." - Arena

"A voice that will melt the stoniest of hearts." - The Independent

"Marvellous debut." - Mojo

These are the testimonies on the front of Norah Jones debut album, Come Away with Me. It was released in 2002 and has become an absolute classic. I think just about everybody I know, no matter what type of music they like have this album. THe album was certified diamond by the RIAA on February 15, 2005 having sold over 10 million copies in its first three years of release. It won five awards at the Grammy Awards of 2003, including "Record of the Year", "Album of the Year", and "Song of the Year" for "Don't Know Why".

The first song I actually heard from the album was track one, Don't Know Why and this is what prompted me to go out and buy the whole album. She has such a distinctive voice and a very haunting voice in my opinion. THis track was so different from anything on the charts and she continues to have songs that are different. Of course, the sound is jazz but I also think she has done very well by making her music very mainstream and something everyone will listen to. What I like about her is that she can actually sing and she is a very accomplished musician as well. She plays the piano and to watch her sing and play at the same time is such a sight. It must be quite hard to concentrate on both and she does very well. I saw her in concert the other year and it was really amazing what she could do.

Norah Jones is American and is the daughter of Ravi Shankar, the sitarist.

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Great album to chill out to

Norah Jones is a truly phenomenal singer, songwriter, and musician. i have seen her play some of the tracks from this album live, and the piano music is just gorgeous. In addition to this everyone can relate to the lyrics on this record. Just a brilliant album to stick on as a chillout record, or even when you feeling down, as the music is so inspiring. The title track is sublime, but my favourite is dont look away. this song has a more upbeat nature to it in places and you will just want to stick it on repeat! Cold Cold heart is also a track fairly near the top of my most played list. Its so good the worst part is the end. it annoys me when it ends i want it to carry on. Norah has a sort of whispering sound that is just delightful - this music appeals to everyone, you cant fail to love it.

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Good Album To Relax To

This is a good album for anyone with a love of female vocalists with subdues backing tracks and bare production, which is this, but in no way is that a bad thing. This was the first of Norah Jones' albums, but was the second i owned, as i hae previously had and enjoyed her second outing. But this is a bit different, instead comprising of quite a few covers of songs and a few gems of originals that really are the main points on interest on this album.

The main highlights on offer are of course the title track, which is a nice piece with whispering vocals that makes this both beautiful and harrowing. The first track Don't Know why is also a highlight, following a similar style of vocals and style of music, but instead slightly more upbeat. The rest of the able is good, but follows much the same style and doesn't really contain many gems, but holds up well as a relaxin album.

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Superb album. Glad I have found it again!

Norah Jones' album 'Come away with me' was the first album I bought my husband when we first got together so I am completely biased and cannot write an objective review. Please have that in mind when you read this!

This album was released in 2002 and has lost none of its charm since then.

STYLEVery jazz like. Norah Jones has a husky mellow voice. She also plays the piano on the album. There is a great background beat to the tracks on this album

HIGHLIGHTED TRACKS1. Don't Know Why This is the best known track on the album. It is excellent. VERY VERY jazzy. The lyrics are interesting and not too repetitive. Her voice is so dream-like. It is an excellent track to relax to. This could be on repeat and send me to sleep within a few goes!

3. Cold Cold Heart I am not a fan of this track. Norah Jones does it justice with excellent vocals. You really cannot fault her. But it is a little boring lyrically and quite repetitive. Not my favourite track. Not bad though. Just compared with many of the brilliant tracks, it does not quite hold up.

4. Feelin' the Same WayThis is again quite boring and repetitive. Sounds like a bad cabaret tune.

5. Come Away with MeSuperb song. It is a bit feistier than some of the others. It has a plot to the lyrics, which I really like. I love this song so much. Reminds me of dreaming of my husband when we were living apart... (sorry!)

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Come away with me - Norah Jones.

Norah Jones - Come away with me

This album cost me a princely sum of 50p from Barnsley Sunday Market.

The album, released in 2002 is still riding high in the jazz charts, and the only track I had heard prior to buying this album was 'Don't know why' which is certainly in the jazz style of ballads, and she has a jazzy voice to match.

Five Grammy's, twenty million plus sales, this has gotta be a cracking album right?

Coupled with the fact that she is the daughter of Ravi Shankar and sister of Anoushka I was counting my blessings, so it was with some excitement I parted with my 50p.

I am a strange bod sometimes and have a bit of a ritual when it comes to CD's, which I rarely buy these days. Firstly I put it on and then take the sleeve/insert and read it from back to front, looking at lyrics (if they are included) and any musician information.

Shock number one...a Jazz album with no saxophones, no clarinets, no trumpets, no contrabass (or double bass or cello)...that can't be right!

Oh well I listened to the album and will give you my opinion on the tracks:

1. Don't Know Why Definitely jazz (and crooner) influences, piano, guitar and rums and Norah's sultry vocals. Great opening track and was reasonably successful as a single. The thing that stands out for me with her vocals is the intonation which is perfect, every word is clear and her singing voice seems to just float, even on the higher notes. It is like listening (if it were possible) to the richest chocolate or fluffiest quilt. It seems impossible to me that anyone could not like this track. 10/10.

2. Seven YearsLyrically this is quite a bitter sweet song and reminds me a little of Joni Mitchell. Lovely acoustic guitar work by Jesse Harris which in itself is slightly influenced by the Asian Sitar I feel, wonder if that was Norah's doing? Not jazz, quite lovely though. 8/10.

3. Cold Cold Hear Just the title should give a clue to the type of song....it is country, god how I hate this song, looking at the booklet I am not surprised to see it is by Hank Williams originally...nooooooo. 0/10.

4. Feelin' the Same WayThis is quite boring in my opinion, elevator music, or call centre 'on hold'. Yep, the music is competent, her singing is good, but, but, no life. 0/10.

5. Come Away with MeFirst track on the cd written by Norah. A ballad like song with a change of vocal style for her at the beginning with an almost hushed voice...piano work is quite sublime. What this song essentially does is tells a dreamy longing by someone. Not my usual type of song, yet, there is something about the guitar work again, Asian and jazz influenced that makes me really like this, and her vocals really are quite nice. 8/10.

6. Shoot the MoonYou get the feeling that you have already heard this song when you haven't. it's 'nice', that's all. 5/10.

7. Turn Me OnA real bluesy/gospel start and another side to her vocals. Great strong opening verse, it gets better. Like any good piece of blues or gospel it builds slowly but surely. Wow, this woman can really sing with some heart as well as control that is amazing. 9/10.

8. LonestarKind of country, not my thing again. 1/10.

9. I've Got to See You AgainWe get a bit of violin in this track, quite mournful. In fact this song is quite mournful in a 'Torch song' kind of way, I actually do like this, not quite blues, not quite tortured French songstress. Really quite different from the rest of the album up to this point. 8/10.

10. Painter SongAgain, a lovely acoustic guitar intro, then a quite Smokey (think Corrine Bailey Rae) vocal, very accomplished, very smooth, again some almost French influences, this time with accordion. Good stuff. 8/10.

11. One Flight DownWe seem to have a whole lot of instruments here at different parts, yet not overpowering as each instrument takes it's turn. Huge soul/gospel influence that works well from the quiet initial vocals to the build of the Hammond organ. 6/10.

12. NightingaleAnother Jones penned song, another ballad, this time more in a folk tradition, again nice, again a bit boring. 5/10.

13. The Long Day Is OverFolk/country/soul, I don't know what this is. Quite dreamy in an almost Fleetwood Mac kinda way, but not as good! 4/10.

14. The Nearness of YouA bit of a jazz standard that she has arranged quite well. Just her vocals and piano (she plays). I get the feeling that she should give this a bit more oomph as the arrangement has a bluesy feel that she should really compliment with a blues vocal like track 7. It is good, no doubt, but could have been more. 7/10.

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A smooth, sexy and engaging album

My buying this album is a great indication of the power of advertising. I knew nothing about Norah Jones at the time and hadn't even heard her sing an entire song, however, I had seen Woolworths advertising her album (a few of years ago now) on the TV and had caught snippets of her music only then (The same adverts convinced me to buy Jack Johnson). As I have gotten older, I am much less afraid to buy music on the spur of the moment simply because it may be something I like. When you are younger you are more concerned with how it will look with your current CD collection, whether your friends will approve and if it will lend to your musical cred sufficiently. Now-a-days I don't care. I buy what I like, and I like Norah Jones.

History of the ArtistNorah Jones, born in 1979 is the daughter of Indian Sitarist, Ravi Shankar and Sue Jones. She began singing in church choirs and taking piano lessons from a young age and even tried out the alto saxophone at one point. She attended the University of North Texas, where she majored in jazz piano, and won Beat Student Music Awards for Best Jazz Vocalist and Best Original Composition (1996). Norah left two years into the programme in 1999 and headed for New York City.

Little-known FactInterestingly, Norah Jones can be heard dueting with Andre 3000 of Outkast on their 2003 album Speakerboxxx/The love below.

Overview of the Artists styleShe is mature beyond her youthful twenty-something years and her music is a perfect reflection of this. She has a voice like silk that is easily comparable to the likes of classic jazz singers Nina Simone or even Billy Holiday. Despite the similarity, Norah sings with a style which is 100% her own. Her style, although reminiscent of the old sounds of the 30's is a new and refreshing take on the music of today. She manages to expertly take the old style, grace and class from the 30's and give it the twist that allows her music to fit in so beautifully today.

Awards and Accolades for Come Away With Me.With the arrival of her debut Album Come Away With Me, Norah Jones gained public recognition world-wide. The album was celebrated for its blend of mellow and soulful acoustic songs and she had her first #1 in the States with single "Don't know Why." The album then went on to reach #1 in the charts in 2003.

Her success was confirmed again when she walked away from the American Grammy Awards in 2003 with no less than 8 awards including Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best new Artist.

Overview of the AlbumThere are 14 songs on this album and each and every one of them is worth listening too.

Don't Know Why, the first single off the album and most likely the song most will think of when thinking of Norah Jones is an introduction to the mellow and sultry tones of Norah Jones. While this is a brilliant song, it is not my favourite.

She does an amazing rendition of Hank William's Cold, Cold Heart. She doesn't try to sing it like Hank Williams which is great, but gives it her own stamp of identity.

The Nearness of you, another cover comes close to being my favourite with its lazy soulful and yet delicate sound.

However, my favourite song on the album is without a doubt "I've got to see you again" This is for me, one of the most seductive songs I have ever heard. I can imagine her, on a porch somewhere in Southern states, sipping iced tea in the unbearable heat. The sexiness and allure of her voice come out in this song the most and I could listen to it again and again and again. (And then I'd have to go find my partner!)

If any song is a letdown on this album, it would have to be Lone Star. As the title suggests, it is a little bit more country than I would normally go for. Having said that, I still wouldn't skip through this track.

OpinionA perfect album for a relaxing evening sitting on the deck with friends or snuggled up in your armchair reading or while driving or while working/studying or while cooking . Or while well you get my point. I am not usually someone who goes for award winning musicians, or those you see on Top of the Pops and Saturday morning entertainment shows, but Norah Jones is definitely an exception to the rule. She has so much to offer and I think will appeal to both men and women who have grown into their musical tastes over time. Please, buy this album, relax and enjoy

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If you like jazz and good singing, you really can't go wrong with this album.

Since this was bought for me by my then fiance (now wife :-D), Come Away With Me by Norah Jones does have a certain extra sentimental value, but I'll try not to let that influence my review too much!

However, I know that if I had bought it myself, I would be congratulating myself on a fine purchase. This is one of the best new artists I have heard for quite a while, with an extremely mellow yet passionate style. Jones' style (though not her voice itself) reminded me somewhat of Ella Fitzgerald. She is also a talented songwriter two of the songs (the title track "Come Away With Me" and "Nightingale" penned by her, and another ("The Long Day Is Over") co-written with Jesse Harris.

All of songs on this CD are well worthy of their inclusion, and some particularly stand out - "Don't Know Why", "Feelin' The Same Way", and "Turn Me On" all vying for the title of best song.

This is perfect music for either relaxing or doing a bit of smooching. ;-) It makes great background music too, if you're looking for something soothing and not too intrusive. But it is also the kind of music that you can just sit and listen to, the lyrics and singing are easily powerful enough to hold your attention.

Musically it is all very laid back, which is perfectly the right style for these songs. There is a strong jazz influence there, somewhat in the style of Duke Ellington I thought (though many will no doubt disagree with me!). It will be very interesting to see whether Norah goes onto a more lively style in the future, or sticks with this style. (Since this review was originally written it can be seen that she definitely has stuck with it...) There is of course a slight danger the her songs will eventually become staid if there is too little variety, but this hasn't happened yet and of course wouldn't have affected this first album anyway.

The cover inlay design is moody and stylish, and some will no doubt be pleased to know that it features the words to all of the songs. Jones herself is very easy on the eyes, and with her stunning latnio looks it's easy to see why she featured in 2 Weeks' Notice as well as providing some of the music.

Track Listing

1 - Don't Know Why (3:05) - rating 9.5/10  slow, mournful, a song of regret 2 - Seven Years (2:24) - rating 9/10  okay I guess this is a bit mournful too, but more thoughtful 3 - Cold Cold Heart (3:38) - rating 9/10  great piano and bass parts in this, very sultry 4 - Feelin' The Same Way (2:55) - rating 10/10  a little more upbeat and more hopful, lovely orchestration and beat 5 - Come Away With Me (3:18) - rating 8/10  the title track is a very slow, passionate song, and very relaxing to listen to! 6 - Shoot the Moon (3:57) - rating 7/10  another slow, reflective song, doesn't quite grab me as much as the others but still good 7 - Turn Me On (2:33) - rating 10/10  a very sexy song with some very stylish piano playing some of the best lyrics of the album 8 - Lonestar (3:05) - rating 8/10  yet another reflective song, one of the best examples of Jones' superb singing voice. 9 - I've Got To See You Again (4:13) - rating 9/10  one of the best songs instrumentally, again very sultry and passionate 10 - Painter Song (2:41) - rating 7/10  another that didn't quite grab me as much despite some very good lyrics. Still very easy to listen to 11 - One Flight Down (3:03) - rating 8/10  strong piano playing in another slow song that is extremely easy on the ears 12 - Nightingale (4:11)  rating 8/10  one that stands out because it's a slightly different style to any of the others (difficult to define the exact difference though!), a slow song that lacks the passion some of the other songs exhibit but is still very good 13 - The Long Day Is Over (2:44) - rating 7/10  a very nice song (another slow one), but it just seems to finish much too soon! 14 - The Nearness of You (3:09) - rating 7.5/10  not her own song, of course, and perhaps Ella did it better... but still not at all bad!

Album rating: 9/10

Well, the review's basically finished, but for those of you who are interested (and I know some of you will be!), here are some sample lyrics:

"Out across the endless sea I would die in ecstacy But I'll be a bag of bones Driving down the road alone

My heart is drenched in wine But you'll be on my mind Forever"

(From Don't Know Why)

"Another day that I can't find my head My feet don't look like they're my own I'll try and find the floor below to stand And I hope I reach it once again"

(From Feelin' the Same Way)

"If I were a painter I would paint my reverie If that's the only way for you to be with me

We'd be there together Just like we used to be Underneath the swirling skies for all to see"

(From Painter Song)

You should be able to find this in any good music store without any problem. Online "Come Away With Me" is available at Amazon.co.uk for £5.97. HMV.co.uk are much more expensive, they have it for £12.99.

Thanks for reading!

CaptainD

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Every now and again, an album comes along that everyone has to have or seems to own. When I was first really getting into music "Brothers in Arms" was one such album and through school there were two or three more. Even afterwards, away from peer pressure, they still appeared from time to time. You know the ones - Guns and Roses' first album, Automatic for the People by R.E.M. or Play by Moby to name a few. 'Come Away with Me' by Norah Jones is another such album, and despite being bought as a present for my parents, it's something I play myself quite often. Norah Jones was born on 30th March 1979 and is the daughter of sitar "legend" Ravi Shanker. As tends to be the case for children with musical parents, she has taken up music herself and is quite an all-rounder by contributing in many ways to the album as singer, piano, songwriter and producer. It's quite a difficult album to categorise; many people instantly pick up on the jazz overtones of the music which is pretty distinctive and unsurprising given her background, but this only serves as a base on which to layer other influences. Each of the fourteen tracks on the album instantly gives off that jazz vibe when you first listen to it, but as you pay closer attention to the music then the other aspects shine through. One song might have a country influence and feel to it, and you might feel a bit surprised at how well this jazz/country blend actually sounds until the next song which might introduce a touch of pop or blues or folk to the jazz and this will sound equally as good. With the album having quite a few different writers on board, it might be surprising to some that the album has a continuity of sound and level of consistency throughout, although when you learn that the majority of songs were contributed by Lee Alexander, Jesse Harris (both members of Norah's band) and Norah herself then this is less of a surprise. Th e album still manages to sound fresh through out, and despite the simplicity of the feel of the music (jazz mixed with one or two other influences), it doesn't sound formulaic. Keeping everything together is veteran producer Arif Mardin who has previously worked with such big hitters as Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles amongst others. The production is excellent and the sound is very acoustic and almost live-sounding which is a style which suits this kind of music very well indeed. Putting the album on and sitting with your eyes closed, you'd almost swear that Norah and her band were in the room with you. A review of the album wouldn't be complete without mentioning Norah's voice. Many people have their own interpretations of how it sounds, and it seems that they all seem to describe the same thing without actually agreeing on anything which indicates there is something in her voice that you cannot put your finger on. My personal take is that her voice is like melted chocolate with just a touch of sultry sexiness to give it a unique angle. Overall, this is an excellent album, especially to sit down and relax to. The vocals just wash over you and the music is an excellent accompaniment to help you ease the stress away and not care about anything which has been troubling you. What I found most surprising is that, given the tempo and sound of the album, it stands up well as both an album you would listen to properly and one you would put on as background music. I tend to use it as the latter when I'm working at home, but it does get a proper airing every now and again. While this is obviously not going to be everyone's cup of tea, it is an extremely strong album with a sound which gives off the impression that Norah Jones is a lot older or mature than she really is. The obvious advantage of it being a soothing, quiet album is also its biggest disadvantage in that the album could get very same-y for those who li ke a bit of variety in their music. If you are in any doubt, I'd borrow this from one of your friends first (one of them is bound to have it!), but it's an album that most people should enjoy. Recommended if you like soothing jazz-like music and female vocalists, if not, then try before you buy!

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I am a bit of a fan of female singers, but there are not many that grab my attention these days, but when I heard Norah Jones on VH1, I did like the sound of her husky vocals, even though I had only heard “Don’t Know Why”, after that I kept meaning to buy her album but for some reason it took me ages to get around to it, so when I seen her album “Come Away With Me” in the 3 for £20 offer at HMV, I did indulge. Last weekend was the first time I actually had a proper chance to listen to it and as a result I cannot stop playing it. It’s easy to see how, following it’s release in February 2003, it has notched up a very impressive 8 Grammy Awards including best female newcomer, best female pop vocalist, best record and of course best album. Coming from a musical background herself, her father was a well known singing star back in the 60’s – Ravi Shankner, she not only sings very well and I have to say rather maturely for her 24 years, she also happens to play the piano on a few of the tracks. Norah has a very individual style of singing, at times similar to that of Billie Holiday, probably the best way to describe it would be to say a cross between Jazz and Country, very laid back and extremely relaxing although I have to say even though most of her songs are about loves that have come and gone, her sound is not in least depressing, you can almost imagine yourself sitting in a exclusive wine bar for example in the company of a loved one listening to her sing live. At this point it may perhaps be a good idea to describe some of the tracks for you now that you know a bit about Norah herself. Track Listing: “DON’T KNOW WHY” written by Jesse Harris (3.05 minutes long) The very song that introduced me to this talented lady, her voice lifts up above the piano and the soft yet slow percussion like an angel, her lilting perfect tone sets the standard for the album. A song about a girl that missed her opportunity to call and make up with the love of her life, a truly touching song that leaves me with a feeling of complete relaxation. 10/10 “SEVEN YEARS” written by Lee Alexander (2.24 minutes long) I love the soft sound of the harp with Norah singing in perfect harmony telling us a story of a little girl enjoying life “spinning, laughing and dancing to her favourite song”, reminding us of the pure innocence of children playing, remember that feeling? I do, this track leaves me with a warm feeling and made me smile at my memories. 10/10 “COLD COLD HEART” written by Hank Williams (3.38 minutes long) The first couple of chords reminded me of “Fever” by Elvis Presley but I was brought back to reality when Norah’s inviting voice kicks in, a tender song about melting a lovers cold heart, don’t like this quite as much, feels like a bit of a filler. 7/10. “FEELING THE SAME WAY” written by Lee Alexander (2.55 minutes long) More upbeat song that does inspire you to get up and clean house, well that’s what it makes me feel like, time for a fresh start. Sweet harmonies blend in well with fast yet softer drumbeat. 9/10 “COME AWAY WITH ME” written by Norah Jones (3.18 minutes long) A soft and welcoming song that makes you want to lie back, close your eyes and drift off into your favourite place, absolutely wonderful and I have to say Norah’s sultry but angelic voice really does the music justice, the guitar riff in the middle gives it almost a country feel. The song is about a girl who asks her lover to come away with her, somewhere they can’t tempt us with their lies, to me this seems a song about people coming between lovers. 10/10 ”SHOOT THE MOON” written by Jesse Harris (3.57 minutes long) This song has a very 221;Practical Magic” feel about it and sounds like something Stevie Nicks would perhaps have penned with an injection of country thrown in for good measure. A nice little melodic tune about changing seasons encouraging different moods with loved ones. 8/10 ”TURN ME ON” written by J.D. Loudermilk (2.33 minutes long) Now this track has a very sexy feel about it reminding me of lovers starting out, exploring together, would be nice for a slow sexy dance together (of course in the privacy of your own home). A song about a girl waiting on her lover to come on home and turn her on. I would have to say this is undoubtedly my favourite. 10/10 “Like a flower, waiting to bloom, Like a lightbulb in a dark room, I’m just sitting here, Waiting here for you to come on home, And turn me on” “LONESTAR” written by Lee Alexander (3.05 minutes long) And in my opinion 3.05 minutes far too long, a terrible attempt of a country ballad and clearly another filler. 1/10 ”I’VE GOT TO SEE YOU AGAIN” written by Jesse Harris (4.13 minutes long) Another sexy and soulful song with a slow foxtrot feel to it, great for another slow dance together. The violin along with the piano makes for terrific music together and this combined with Norah’s fantastic vocal ability really makes for another hit with me. 10/10 “Late in the night, when I’m all alone and I look at the clock and I know you are not here, I’ve got to see you again!” “PAINTER SONG” Song written by Lee Alexander and J.C. Hopkins (2.41 minutes long) Very soulful song with a nice injection of jazz, the accordion music within the track gives it a very French feel, gives you the feeling of sitting in Paris in the Spring watching and admiring street painters at work. Superb track. 9/10 ”ONE FLIGHT DOWN” written by Jesse Harris (3.03 minutes long) Another jazzy feeling number, the piano really builds it into a nice soulful little track, again Norah’s sultry and inviting voice invites you to lie back and relax. 8/10 ”NIGHTINGALE” written by Norah Jones (4.11 minutes long) A very haunting song made heartwarming with the sound of the acoustic guitar, speeds up a bit as it goes further into track. I like this track although not one of my favourites. 7/10. “Nightingale, sing us a song Of a love that once belonged Nightingale, tell me your tale Was your journey far too long?” The Long day is Over written by Jesse Harris and Norah Jones (2.44 minutes long) Beautiful piano introduction leading to a rather nice soft drum roll, almost a lullaby. Great track for helping you to unwind after a stressful day, with Norah’s soft, yet sweet vocals. Stunning. 8/10. The Nearness of You written by Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington (3.09 minutes long) Imagine you are in a Jazz bar and you meet the man of your dreams, you have a wonderful evening together, this is definitely the song for you, wonderfully romantic, almost has a fairytale feel about it and a fabulous end to a outstanding album. 10/10 I would definitely recommend this album to everyone especially those of you who like a bit of seduction or just some chill music, probably not aimed at the pop fans out there as it’s in a different league from most of the female singers about today, much more refined and certainly more talented, a breath of fresh air. Oh and did I mention how beautiful she is, not false but very natural, her deepest brown eyes mesmerising you whilst her voice hypnotises you, a talent I sure wish I had! Just this week HMV are now selling this album for a bargain price of £5.99 and believe me it really is a bargain and one you’ll no doubt still like to listen to in years to come, it’s a timeless classic. Should you wish to find out more about this wonderful talented lady, her website address is www.norahjones.com Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, take care, a nice chilled out Heather :o)

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As a young man of............ I thought that this album would not appeal to me, so i didn't really bother about it till i heard it on an american radio station while i was trawling around on the net. so after changing my mind (thanks to the song 'come away with me, title track') i sought out the album and bought it. Boy am i glad i did. The tracks on it were well written and the music is excellent, it works when your in so many different moods that you find it hard to reason why you shoule take it out of your cd player, her soft melodic voice, the piano she plays and the general 'feeling' of the album is great, suitable for almost any setting; house, car or personal cd player or whether you want it as back ground music or something to pass the time it fills all the criteria... a thoughly outstanding album which i would recommend to anyone who would ask me about it.

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I have great difficulty finding contemporary female singers that I like. I find they are either teenage Barbie dolls like Brittney spears and Christina Aguillera (sp) or how many notes can I put in one word wonders such as Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. I tend to listen to older sixties singers such as Dusty Springfield , Aretha Franklin and Carole King. Imagine my delight whilst listening to BBC Radio 2 to hear the song ?Don?t Know Why? by Norah Jones. I was instantly transfixed by her smooth, smoky laid back vocals. Yes here was a new talent to be reckoned with and a modern female vocalist I actually liked. Her album Come Away With Me was on the top of my Christmas list and Santa duly left it in my stocking for Christmas in 2002. Who Is Norah Jones? Norah Jones is the daughter of 60s Sitar legend Ravi Shankner. She is a very talented young lady for producing such a high quality mature album, at the tender age of 24. As well as singing she plays Piano on all the tracks and has written or co written a handful of the tracks. If I can not persuade you by reading this opinion that this album is a wonderful album perhaps the number of awards this album has won. Since it was released in February 2003 it has chalked up an impressive eight Grammies. including best album, best record, best female pop vocal and best newcomer This album is defiantly one for the adults. The songs although about love are not bright breezy pop songs but more complicated songs about lost loves and unrequited love. This is defiantly appreciated by someone with a bit of experience in life behind them. Don?t Know Why This was the song that introduced me to Norah Jones. It is such a lovely mellow late night song with smoky vocals that really sets the tone of the album. My interpretation of this song is someone waiting for their lover Seven Years I love the imagery of this song. On the first listen it is a song about the beauty and innocence of childhood ?Spinning . laughing, dancing to her favourite song? I particularly love the line ?Fragile as a leaf in Autumn There is a sadder side to this song as the little girl is all alone Cold Cold Heart This song is sultry with a great bass line which sort of reminds me of the one from Peggy Lee?s Fever. It is about a guy who can not trust his current lover due to the infidelity of a previous woman and the current girlfriend?s plea to melt his cold cold heart. The vocal has a country feel to it especially with the subject of the song. Feeling The same way This song is perfectly pleasant with some strange lyrics (?my feet don?t Look like my own?? About the feeling of love but I feel there is something lacking in this song compared to some of the others. Come Away with Me The self penned title track of the album is a beautiful simple sing about forbidden love * Come away with me where they can?t tempt us with their lies? Shoot the Moon Another country tinged ballad about changing seasons and changing moods in lovers. Another one I am not so keen on. Turn Me On On of my absolute favourites on the album. It is sultry and soulful. Norah?s vocal has almost a gospel feel on this one. This is defiantly one to play when seducing a lover as the message of the sing is simple and passionate. The song it most reminds me is Natural Woman by Carole King. Lonestar This is another country ballad. The Lone star perhaps being a cowboy as well as the ?lone star shining down on her.. Another laid back mellow song. I?ve Got To See You Again The violin in this song reminds me of a melody in a Russian folk song. The vocal is sultry and husky. The lyrics and the vocal have a yearning to them ? ?Late in the night, when I?m all alone and I look at the clock and I know you are not here, I?ve got to see you again! There is defiantly drama in thi s song and the refrain is almost haunting Painter Song I love this song. It is lighter and very pretty. It has a whimsical quality to it and perhaps a touch of French ness brought about by the accordion. The lyrics are a pure delight ? If I was a painter I would paint a memory, I would climb inside the swirling skies to be with you again.? The song sort of reminds me of Dream A Little Dream One Flight Down Probably my least favourite song on the album. It is another laid back slightly jazzy number but does not quite have the same memorable and irresistible t qualities as Dom? Know Why Nightingale Flanked by an acoustic guitar nightingale is another very pretty song The Long day is Over I love the drums in this one. The drum roll at the beginning reminds me of waves crashing against rocks. This is another soulful late night number ideal to listen to just before you go to bed to chill you out and relax you. The Nearness of You It is the piano that stands out in this track as it backs Norah?s bluesy vocals. A wonderful, romantic end to a fabulous album This album is best listened to with a glass of fine win, a person you are passionate with and the lights turned down low. If you like classic singers who do not need gimmicks to sell their records this is defiantly the album for you. In years to come Norah Jones will be up there with Aretha Franklin as a quality classic singer More information about Norah Jones can be found at www.Norahjones.com. The album is available widely

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Oh what a hit miss Norah Jones has been not since Michael Jacksons Thriller have we seen 8 grammys picked up but one artist. norah has to have one of be best voices i think i have heard in a long time the way she has blended so many styles is just amazing i do not know what you would call the style Country, Jazz Vocals and pop all in one downbeat album the only thing i can call it is a dream i can only compare her to Diana Krall. Both Norah and Diana play the Piano really well although i think Diana's jazz piano style has the edge but this is Norah's first album so it can only get better for this fantastic 22 year old new yorker. Norah wrote two of the songs (Nightingale & Come away with me) on the album and co-wrote one (The long day is over) with Jesse Harris i do not know anyone one that has made a cross over album that have covered three music styles and made it work and another thing is that this Lady can really sing live and i can not wait for the second album a must buy i would not be with out it